Workshops
Tamzen offers “Artist in school” options- as part of the Fibre & Fabric strand of the National school curriculum.
TAP trained, a member of both Feltmakers Ireland and International Feltmakers, with a degree in Fashion & Textiles.
Book Your Spot
Workshops
Artist in your School
Tamzen has a degree in Fashion & textiles as well as 25 yrs experience in industry. She is also familiar with the Aistear themes and principles, having completed the QQI level 5 creative arts for early childhood module. She is also TAP trained ( Teacher Artist Partnership). A member of DCCI International Feltmakers and former Chairperson of Feltmakers Ireland.
Is your school a lucky recipient of an Arts Council grant? Have you raised teaching fees from fundraising with the PTA?
Let me visit your national school and bring a new voice and an “Art Cart” load of creativity to the kids.
Approx prices 1hr 30min x 2 per day approx €200 + materials ( approx €50)- that means approximately 50 children can take part- with the help of some parents/SNA and the class teacher!
Testimonial- Timahoe NS
Timahoe National School– Erna Mc Carthy, Deputy Principal
“Tamzen was great to work with. Her initial communication was clear and comprehensive. She was able to outline the costs and lesson plans in advance.On the day she arrived promptly with a full “Art Cart” of materials. She was able to facilitate all age groups from our Junior Infants class right through to Sixth class. She placed felt making in context, the students were engaged as she explained the sustainability aspects. She Integrated the art of textile making into other aspects of the curriculum; geography- where felt is from, maths- talking about shrinkage as well as bringing out the playful creativity of the children as they took part in what is a really sensory experience.It was a throughly enjoyable experience for all the kids, the teachers learnt something a bit different too! The kids had the cleanest hands in Ireland by the end of the session as Tamzen says “feltmaking requires only fibre+ soap+water+ your hands… and a little magic!””
Lesson Plans
Examples of lesson plan:
Junior/ senior infants:
Making a hungry caterpillar, while reading the story this wet felted caterpillar comes to life, we feed him, bath him, rub him, stretch him… how strong he grows… slippey, slimy, squashy… watch the littlest hands experience the magic of fibre.
1st/2nd Class:
Shall we make spring flowers? colour, design, as unique as you! Lets come together and make a garland or a door wreath to decorate your classroom. Each child will make an individual piece. Lots of rubbing and rolling, counting, chanting and creation… where does fibre come from? what does sustainable mean?
3rd/ 4th Class:
Pocket pals- a pocket sized friendly creature, just the right size for holding a packet of sweets or tissues. A fun introduction to 3dimensional felting. Express your creativity through decoration. Work and effort gives great rewards.
5th/ 6th Class:
2D to 3D, transfomration. The magic and simplicity of change using only wool, soap and water. Opportunities to explore decoration and shape and to really understand the strength of wool and this method of textile making. No needles, just a little effort and lots of fun!
ASD units and Special Ed- WELCOME
"Inclusion is important to me. I believe art is for everyone and creativity is integral to our well being and communication".